Border Telegraph | News | Care home to expand

Tuesday, 6th January, 2009

Published: Wednesday, 20th September, 2006 12:14

Care home to expand

By Border Telegraph Newsroom

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THE once threatened Galashiels Nursing Home is to stay open.

And is now in the process of finalising ambitious expansion plans.

Fears were growing at the start of the year that the town’s only private care home was about to close – making 33 residents homeless.

And putting almost 40 members of staff out of work.

A Fatal Accident Inquiry into the deaths of two patients and an offer from a property developer to turn the buildings into flats fuelled speculation of closure.

Even after Sheriff Principal Edward Bowen absolved Galashiels Nursing Home of any blame following the FAI, owner Charles Ingram from Pryce & Co admitted he was unsure about the future.

But decisions were made during the summer.

And development work is now close to being completed to help improve life for the 32 Kirkbrae residents, and also create a further five spaces.

Charles Ingram told the Border Telegraph: “Once we made the decision we restarted work almost immediately on improving facilities for all of our residents.

“The outcome of the FAI was so much in our favour that it gave us the confidence to carry on. We knew the claims against us were nonsense, but it was still reassuring that the courts saw it the same way.

“There is always the temptation to take the money and run when the offer of a big cheque comes along from a building development firm, but all I really want to do is make Galashiels Nursing Home the best it can be.”

Plans to upgrade and expand the home were hatched a couple of years ago – and some of the work had began before the finger of blame was pointed towards Kirkbrae.

A lengthy police enquiry into the deaths of residents Jane Swinscoe and Jane Constance failed to bring any charges against the home’s owners or any member of staff.

But Galashiels Nursing Home still faced a FAI at Selkirk Sheriff Court following criticism from the Care Commission.

And a planning application was submitted to turn the buildings into luxury flats.

But that is now in the past, and Mr Ingram, who has owned the home for 10 years, is looking to the future.

He added: “There is a really good atmosphere within the home. It is a good place to work and a great place to live.

“What we went through was unpleasant, but that is behind us. We all predict a long bright future for Galashiels Nursing Home.”

More than £300,000 is being spent on the upgrade, and the home’s new look is already attracting praise.

A Care Commission inspection last month returned a glowing report.

And local councillor Bill Herd is delighted that its future is now secure. He said: “This is fabulous news for everyone in Galashiels. A lot of people were worried, so this will be a relief.

“The reassurances will also be welcomed by all of the residents and staff. I wish everyone at Galashiels Nursing Home success with all of their plans.”

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